Ericsson to build new wireless network: TelstraClear

New Zealand telco TelstraClear has picked Ericsson to build its new high-speed wireless network in Tauranga on the North Island.The NZ$50 million project, called "Unplugged", was unveiled in July and will provide voice, broadband and mobile services to local homes and businesses.

New Zealand telco TelstraClear has picked Ericsson to build its new high-speed wireless network in Tauranga on the North Island.

The NZ$50 million project, called "Unplugged", was unveiled in July and will provide voice, broadband and mobile services to local homes and businesses.

Dr Allan Freeth, TelstraClear chief executive, said in a statement released today that the appointment of Ericsson ensured a leading provider of mobile technology was involved in the project.

The telco could also benefit from the comprehensive work that Ericsson had done with Telstra in Australia. In December 2004, Telstra selected Ericsson as the exclusive 3G/WCDMA partner for up to the next five years. TelstraClear is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telstra.

"We are progressing towards a July 2007 launch date and have been working with the Tauranga City Council and local community to deliver a service that is simple and easy to use for homes and businesses in the area," Freeth said.

"Signal strength testing is now completed and we're proceeding to secure site for the equipment," he said.

Ericsson will design, integrate and build the high speed downlink packet access (HSPDA) network. HSPDA is a protocol that theoretically allows third-generation mobile networks to provide download speeds of up to 14.4mbps.

Steve Inglis, Ericsson general manager of broadband and marketing, said the technology supplier was delighted to be extending its longstanding relationship with the telco to drive industry growth.

The new wireless network will link directly to TelstraClear's national fibre backbone and complement its existing fibre network in the Tauranga CBD.